A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and warm. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Flush the IV line with saline
- B. Discontinue the IV infusion
- C. Apply a cold compress
- D. Increase the IV flow rate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV infusion. The signs of redness and warmth at the IV site indicate phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein. Discontinuing the IV infusion is crucial to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Flushing the IV line with saline would not address the underlying issue of phlebitis. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the cause. Increasing the IV flow rate can exacerbate the inflammation and should be avoided.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter. What is the nurse's first action?
- A. Irrigate the catheter with normal saline
- B. Notify the provider
- C. Administer prescribed antibiotics
- D. Assess for signs of infection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client reports pain at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter, the nurse's first action should be to notify the provider. This is important to ensure timely assessment and intervention by the healthcare provider. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline or administering antibiotics should not be done without provider's orders as it may mask symptoms or lead to inappropriate treatment. Assessing for signs of infection is important but should come after notifying the provider, who can guide further assessment and treatment.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with a new diagnosis of hypertension. What instruction should the nurse include?
- A. Reduce sodium intake to 4 grams per day
- B. Avoid foods high in potassium
- C. Take prescribed antihypertensive medications daily
- D. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Take prescribed antihypertensive medications daily.' When providing discharge teaching to a client with hypertension, one of the key instructions is to ensure the consistent intake of prescribed antihypertensive medications. This is crucial for controlling blood pressure levels and reducing the risk of complications associated with hypertension. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because reducing sodium intake, avoiding foods high in potassium, and limiting fluid intake are important dietary modifications for various health conditions, but they are not the priority when it comes to managing hypertension. The primary focus should be on medication adherence to effectively manage hypertension.
A nurse is performing a focused assessment on a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What finding should the nurse expect?
- A. Increased breath sounds
- B. Flushed skin
- C. Nasal flaring
- D. Decreased respiratory rate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Flushed skin. Flushed skin is a common finding in clients with COPD who are experiencing dyspnea. Increased breath sounds (choice A) are not typically associated with COPD; they may indicate conditions like pneumonia. Nasal flaring (choice C) is more commonly seen in respiratory distress in pediatric patients. Decreased respiratory rate (choice D) is not a typical finding in COPD and could indicate respiratory depression.
A client with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus needs instruction on foot care. What advice should the nurse provide?
- A. Soak feet in warm water daily
- B. Wear shoes at all times
- C. Cut toenails in a rounded shape
- D. Inspect the feet weekly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Wear shoes at all times.' This instruction is crucial for clients with diabetes as it helps protect the feet from potential injuries. Choice A of soaking feet in warm water daily can lead to skin issues and should be avoided. Cutting toenails in a rounded shape, as mentioned in choice C, can increase the risk of ingrown toenails. While inspecting the feet weekly, as in choice D, is important, wearing shoes at all times is a more preventative measure to avoid foot injuries in diabetic clients.
A nurse is assessing a client who reports a burning sensation at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and swollen. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Apply a cold compress
- B. Discontinue the IV line
- C. Elevate the limb
- D. Increase the IV flow rate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV line. The client's symptoms of a burning sensation, redness, and swelling at the IV site indicate phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. The priority action in this situation is to remove the source of irritation, which is the IV line, to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Elevating the limb is not the priority in this case. Increasing the IV flow rate can worsen the phlebitis by causing further irritation to the vein.